The Most Common Mistakes New RV Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

The Most Common Mistakes New RV Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

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The Most Common Mistakes New RV Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Becoming an RV owner is equal parts exciting, overwhelming, and confusing. Whether you bought from a dealership, private seller, or marketplace listing, the moment you bring that camper home, there’s one universal truth:

👉 Nobody told you half the things you actually need to know.

New RV owners aren’t just learning a new hobby — they’re suddenly responsible for a water system, propane appliances, electrical safety, towing safety, roof maintenance, and camping procedures.

And because of that, beginner mistakes are unbelievably common… and often expensive.

As a mobile RV technician serving the Omaha–Lincoln area, I see the same mistakes over and over — and most of them are 100% preventable with the right knowledge.

This guide breaks down the five most common mistakes new RV owners make, separated into categories:

• Setup + campsite mistakes

• Water system mistakes

• Electrical + battery mistakes

• Towing + travel day mistakes

• Roof + maintenance mistakes

Each section includes real-world examples, explanations, and the exact steps to prevent these problems from happening to you.

Let’s get you started with confidence.

🏕️ CATEGORY 1: The 5 Most Common Camping Setup Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

These mistakes happen in the first 20 minutes of arriving at a campsite — and they can affect your entire stay.

1️⃣ Mistake: Leveling the RV after extending the slide-outs

This is the fastest way to damage:

• slide motors

• slide seals

• slide alignment rails

• the RV frame

Why It Happens:New owners assume you can “press the slide button whenever,” but slides depend on the RV being level so weight is evenly distributed.

How to Avoid It:Follow the correct order every time:

1. Park the RV

2. Chock the wheels

3. Level side-to-side

4. Level front-to-back

5. Stabilize (optional—NEVER use stabilizers to level)

6. THEN extend slides

This saves thousands in slide repairs long-term.

2️⃣ Mistake: Forgetting to check overhead clearance when backing into a site

Common obstacles include:

• low tree branches

• angled limbs

• uneven slope overhead

• hanging power lines

• satellite dishes from campground WiFi

Damage Caused:

• torn membrane roofs

• broken AC shrouds

• cracked skylights

• ripped vent covers

Prevent It:Before backing up, walk the entire site.Look up, not just around.If you're solo, record a quick video of the site with your phone to review before pulling in.

3️⃣ Mistake: Using stabilizer jacks to level the RV

This bends frames.It breaks stabilizers.It causes doors and cabinets to stop closing.

Stabilizers = STOP WOBBLELeveling = JACKS OR BLOCKS

Not the same thing.

Fix It:Use:

• leveling blocks

• Andersen levelers

• built-in auto-leveling (if equipped)

Then drop stabilizers lightly until they touch the ground.

4️⃣ Mistake: Leaving the awning out unattended

Even a 10 mph gust can:

• bend arms

• rip fabric

• damage the motor

• flip your awning over the roof

Nebraska winds?They’ve destroyed more awnings than anything else.

Rule:If you're not outside → retract the awning.If you’re sleeping → retract the awning.Leaving for 5 minutes? → retract it.

Awnings are for shade, not storms.

5️⃣ Mistake: Not checking the campsite slope before parking

Severe slopes cause:

• fridge malfunction

• bathroom draining issues

• doors that swing open or shut

• difficulty stabilizing

• uneven weight on axles

Tip:Keep a small line level or use an RV leveling app.If the slope looks extreme, ask for another site — campgrounds will move you.

🚿 CATEGORY 2: The 5 Most Common Water System Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

The water system is where most new RV owners get into trouble — sometimes immediately.

1️⃣ Mistake: Leaving the black tank valve open

This creates a hardened waste mountain (called a “poop pyramid”) that:

• blocks sewer flow

• ruins tank sensors

• causes backflow issues

• smells terrible

Fix:Keep BOTH valves closed until tanks are at least 2/3 full.Then dump black → dump gray.

2️⃣ Mistake: Turning on the water heater with NO water in the tank

A dry water heater burns out in under 10 seconds.

A new element costs ~$100–$200.A damaged tank costs much more.

Prevention:Before turning on the water heater:

• open the hot water faucet

• wait for steady water flow

• confirm the bypass is OFF

This ensures the tank is full.

3️⃣ Mistake: Forgetting to use a water pressure regulator

Campground water pressure can reach 70–120 PSI, while most RVs require 40–55 PSI.

Without a regulator, you risk:

• burst lines

• faucet damage

• leaking toilets

• water pump failure

Use:A brass, adjustable water regulator — not plastic.

4️⃣ Mistake: Leaving the water pump on during travel

If a faucet jiggles open or a fitting leaks, you can flood your RV interior before you even notice.

Fix:Pump OFF during:

• towing

• storage

• overnight if hooked to city water

5️⃣ Mistake: Hooking up the sewer hose backwards or loosely

Beginners often:

• don’t twist the hose fully

• skip checking the seal

• leave the hose unsupported

• forget gravity flow mechanics

This leads to leaks, spills, and odors.

Fix:Always support the hose with a sloped sewer support.Confirm both ends are locked into place.

🔋 CATEGORY 3: The 5 Most Common Electrical + Battery Mistakes

Power systems are confusing because RVs use BOTH 12V and 120V electrical.

These mistakes cause the most emergency service calls.

1️⃣ Mistake: Draining the battery below 12 volts

Deep discharging kills batteries.If left discharged, they sulfate and can become permanently damaged.

Healthy Voltage Ranges:

• 12.6–12.8V = full

• 12.2V = 50%

• 12.0V = nearly dead

• 11.9V = damaging discharge

Rule:Charge batteries before they drop below 12.2V.

2️⃣ Mistake: Plugging into a weak power pedestal

Low voltage overheats:

• AC units

• converters

• appliances

• outlets

Quick way to ruin expensive electronics.

Fix:Use an EMS (Electrical Management System).If voltage dips below 104V, it disconnects power automatically.

3️⃣ Mistake: Using household extension cords to power the RV

This causes:

• fire hazards

• fried cords

• melted plugs

• smoking outlets

RVs must use:

• the correct gauge

• RV-rated cords

• surge protection

Never run AC through a skinny orange cord.

4️⃣ Mistake: Forgetting that the fridge needs the RV to stay level

Absorption refrigerators can be damaged if operated off-level for long periods.

Symptoms include:

• ammonia smell

• poor cooling

• yellow residue

• complete fridge failure

Replacement cost? $1,500–$3,500.

Prevention:Ensure fridge is off when:

• parked unlevel

• storing the RV on a slope

5️⃣ Mistake: Not understanding what appliances run on which power system

New owners often assume “everything runs on electricity.”Not true.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Runs on 120V (shore power or generator)

• AC unit

• microwave

• some electric water heater modes

• most outlets

Runs on 12V battery:

• water pump

• lights

• furnace blower

• fridge control board

• propane detector

• slide motors

Understanding this prevents confusion, blown breakers, and premature battery failure.

🚙 CATEGORY 4: The 5 Most Common Towing + Travel Day Mistakes

New trailer owners often underestimate towing complexity.These mistakes are dangerous.

1️⃣ Mistake: Improper hitching (not latched correctly)

This causes trailers to:

• pop off the ball

• sway

• disconnect completely

Always verify:

• the coupler is locked

• the latch pin is inserted

• chains are crisscrossed

• the breakaway cable is attached

Never rush hitching.

2️⃣ Mistake: Incorrect tongue weight

Too little weight → sway.Too much weight → poor steering.

Ideal Range:10–15% of trailer weight on the tongue.

Use a tongue weight scale if unsure.

3️⃣ Mistake: Not adjusting the brake controller

If brakes are:

• too strong → jerking

• too weak → longer stopping distance

Do a test stop at 10–15 mph before leaving the campground.

4️⃣ Mistake: Driving too fast

Especially in Nebraska’s crosswinds.

Trailers should stay around:

• 60–65 mph maximum

• slower in wind or rain

Tire blowouts happen far more often above 70 mph.

5️⃣ Mistake: Not doing a walk-around before every drive

This 2-minute habit prevents accidents.

Check:

• doors latched

• steps up

• stabilizers up

• tires inflated

• propane off

• sewer and water disconnected

• slides fully retracted

Make this part of your ritual.

🛠️ CATEGORY 5: The 5 Most Common Roof + Maintenance Mistakes

These are the most expensive mistakes — because roof damage spreads silently.

1️⃣ Mistake: Not inspecting sealant every 90 days

Sealant cracks from:

• heat

• sun

• snow & ice

• aging

• movement during travel

If water gets in, it spreads for months unnoticed.

2️⃣ Mistake: Ignoring soft spots in the floor or walls

This is an early sign of water intrusion.

If caught early → cheap.If ignored → structural damage.

Take soft spots seriously.

3️⃣ Mistake: Not cleaning the roof regularly

Debris causes:

• clogged gutters

• standing water

• faster sealant breakdown

• black streaks

A clean roof = longer roof life.

4️⃣ Mistake: Assuming a new RV won’t leak

Some new RVs leave the factory with:

• poorly applied Dicor

• missed seams

• improperly sealed fixtures

• vent gaps

New does NOT mean perfect.Inspect early and often.

5️⃣ Mistake: Not knowing the signs of delamination

Early signs:

• rippling walls

• bubbles under fiberglass

• squishy areas

• small cracks near roof edges

Once delamination spreads, repairs are extremely expensive.

🌟 Final Thoughts — Mistakes Are Normal, But Preventable

Every RV owner makes mistakes at the beginning — even seasoned travelers do. The difference between a smooth first year and a stressful one is simple:

👉 Learn the systems.👉 Build safe habits.👉 Ask questions early.👉 Catch issues before they grow.

And most importantly…

Never feel embarrassed. Every expert RVer started where you are right now.

📞 CTA Block

New to RVing? I Offer Private Walkthroughs for Omaha & Lincoln RV Owners

If you want confidence using your rig, I offer:

✔ full system walkthroughs✔ safety training✔ water, electric & propane guidance✔ appliance troubleshooting✔ towing basics✔ seasonal maintenance tips

Perfect for brand-new RV owners or anyone who feels overwhelmed.

📞 Call or text to schedule your New Owner Walkthrough — February slots fill fast!